FINITE AND NON-FINITE VERBS

Verbs can be divided into two categories:

• Finite verbs are governed by the person and number of the subject.

Examples: I am driving down the lane.

Bandana drives to college.
They drive very fast.

In the above sentences, the verb ‘drive’ is governed by the person and number of
the subjects, ‘I’, ‘Bandana’ and ‘They’ respectively.

• Non-finite verbs do not change their form even when the person and the
number of the subject changes.

Examples: I want to eat something delicious.

Bandana has to eat apples every day.
They want to eat eggs for breakfast.

In the above sentences, the verb ‘eat’ does not change even though the person and
number of the subject change.
Non-finite verbs are of three kinds:

• Gerund: The ‘-ing’ form of the verb which is used as a noun is called a
gerund. It is also called the verbal noun.

Examples: Taking exercise is important.

Running is a good way to keep fit.

• Infinite: The infinitive is the base form of the verb. It is often used with ‘to’
or without ‘to’. Infinitives with ‘to’ before them are called ‘to-infinitives’.

Examples: David and I agreed to meet at 4 o’clock.

I’ll arrange to see the dentist straight away.

• Participle: There are two kinds of participles:

Present participles are formed by adding ‘-ing’ to the base verb.

Example: I have been reading.

Past participles are formed by adding -d, -ed, -en, -t or -n to the base verb.
Example: I have worked.